A draft of the minimal requirements for hiring and promoting instructors and other academic staff in colleges and universities, as well as steps to uphold standards in higher education, has been made public by the University Grants Commission (UGC). By February 5, 2025, stakeholders are asked to provide input on the draft regulations.
The UGC has suggested eliminating the National Eligibility Test (NET) as a prerequisite for promotions and assistant professor appointments in higher education institutions in accordance with the laws. According to the plan, applicants for the position of associate professor (entry level position) must have a postgraduate degree in ME or MTech with at least 55% of the possible points. The UGC-NET exam is currently required to be eligible to work as an assistant professor.
In addition, candidates for the position of associate professor must have a PhD degree (NCrF Level 8) and an undergraduate degree (NCrF Level 6) with at least 75% of the possible points, or a postgraduate degree (NCrF Level 6.5) with at least 55% of the possible points (or an equivalent grade). Additional requirements include passing the National Eligibility Test (NET), which is administered by the UGC, CSIR, ICAR, etc., or a test comparable to SLET/SET, and having a postgraduate degree (NCrF Level 6.5) with at least 55% of the possible points (or an equivalent grade).
By extending the eligibility requirements to individuals from academia, research institutions, public policy, public administration, and industry, the new regulations also alter the vice chancellor selection process. The guidelines state that a public announcement and an advertisement in all Indian newspapers would be used to choose candidates for the vice chancellor position. Additionally, a Search-cum-Selection Committee may nominate candidates or conduct a talent search. Clear criteria for the VC’s search-cum-selection committee’s membership, term, age restrictions, reappointment eligibility, and who is eligible to create the committee are also provided under these regulations.
The appointment of a principal is also mentioned in the guidelines. The revised criteria provide that a principal will be selected for a five-year term and can be reappointed for a further term by following the steps outlined for principal selection. She or he is limited to two terms as principal of the same college, nevertheless. If the incumbent satisfies the requirements for professorship, he or she will return to his parent organization with the title of professor and in the professor grade after serving as principal.
-NSH Digidesk
